
The Burchell’s zebra, aka bontequagga, Damaraland zebra, and Zululand zebra is an eastern & southern subspecies of the plains zebra, and the only zebra that can be legally farmed for human consumption. They, like other zebras face the threats of habitat loss and destruction at the hands of farming and ranching; hunting; trapping; military exercises; civil unrest; war; and climate change, that can cause both flooding and severe droughts. The IUCN lists these zebras as Least Concern, but their populations are decreasing.
First the Stats…
Scientific name: Equus quagga burchellii
Weight: Up to 700 lbs.
Length: Up to 8.07 feet
Height: Up to 4.7 feet, at the shoulders
Lifespan: Up to 35 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) While exact numbers are unknown, it is estimated that there are approximately 1,000,000 +/- existing to date.
2.) These zebras are officially extinct from the wild and only found in captivity.
3.) As mentioned, they are the only subspecies of zebra which may be legally farmed for human consumption. Ranchers raise them sadly, in part, for just that reason.
4.) They have between 1 – 2 shadow stripes that rest between the bold, broad stripes on their haunch (rear legs and rump).
5.) Burchell’s live in small family groups comprised of 1 stallion and 1 – 6 mares & their most recent foals.
But wait, there’s more on the Burchell’s zebra!
6.) Bachelor groups contain from 2 – 8 unattached stallions (stallions without a harem).
7.) The small groups typically congregate into larger herds near water and food sources, but still keep their identity as family units while in these population gatherings.
Did you know…?
These zebras migrate the longest distance of any terrestrial animal in Africa, making a round trip of up to 300 miles!
8.) From 2001 til 2016 the Kissama Foundation reintroduced wildlife in the Quiçama National Park of Angola. The project was coined Operation Noah’s Ark. Animals like wildebeest, waterbuck, giraffes, elephants, gemsbok, eland, nyala, ostrich, and Burchell’s zebras were introduced.
9.) The wild populations of Burchell’s zebras disappeared back in 1910, and are thought to have been hunted to extinction. Herds of remaining individuals were rounded up and then bred in captivity.
10.) Females undergo up to a 390 day gestation (pregnancy) that yields a single foal.
But wait, there’s still more on the Burchell’s zebra!
11.) Like other zebras, they graze on various grasses, leaves, and shrubs.
12.) They are preyed on by lions, spotted hyenas, Nile crocodiles, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.
Now a Short Burchell’s Zebra Video!
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Some source material acquired from: Wikipedia & IUCN
Photo credit: Yathin S. Krishnappa